Well the mechanic at my local ford dealer just gave me the bad news. My engine blew because of low oil pressure. So now I'm trying to source a new engine. I've found a few options off of ebay. Basically I'm looking for a remanufactured 5.4 3V that comes with a warranty. I found one for $3k free shipping with a 3yr warranty and new cam phasers. I was curious if the year mattered. My truck is an 04 Lariat. I plan to install the engine myself with the help of a couple buddies one of which is a mechanic for metro buses and the other installed a new 4.0 in his jeep. Is there any major things I need to look out for?

 

I would look at engines out of 08-10 totals. Those engines have all the updates.

 

Year doesn't matter on the 5.4. Make sure it has the new VCT solenoids also. While it's out I would add some longtube headers and port the heads for a little extra power.

 

the 08+ have redesigned heads the updated VCT stuff but junkyard engines have really gone up in price. Might be better if you went the reman route if they do it good..

 

Good to know that the years are not important I will try to find an 08-10 if my budget will allow it. These no longer have the spark plug breaking issue correct?
I'll consider LT headers as well, I'd like to add them but I've got to be cost effective and an extra $700-1000 for headers is kind of out of my budget right now. Is there any decent for under $500? This is mainly a work and towing truck and as simple as an american V8 should be I have limited experience with them. I'm mainly knowledgable with euro engines such as VW and BMW.
I really like the idea of a remanned engine because of the warranty as this truck hasn't been the most reliable and I don't want to have to buy another engine again. I'd probably sell the truck off when the warranty expires unless it's really trouble free.

 

The spark plug issue is fixed on the newer motors. I doubt you'll be able to find anything used at a JY for under $1500. Most I've seen are 2 grand plus.

 

I'm not going to get one from a JY they won't offer any sort of serious warranty if any at all. I'm really only looking into remanned or crate options.

 

if you dont go with headers i would definately install new exhaust manifolds. id go with ford oem. not dormans.

please keep us posted on how the swap is going

 

Well after talking to the master technician at my local ford dealer he said to install an 08+ engine I'd need a different transmission which is definitely not something I'm interested in doing.
I'd probably do new headers but will keep you up to date.
The mechanic apparently got it running after replacing a bearing and head gasket but the oil pressure is still low. Would a resleeve solve this problem without a whole new engine? I'm going to talk to the tech in person I believe tomorrow so I'll get a much better idea of what exactly is going on with it.

 

good news is its drivable, bad news is the cylinder head is gouged up. How hard would it be and cost effective to replace the cylinder head vs buying a new engine? At this point I'm hoping to get a couple years out of it till its paid off and then I'm likely going to get a new truck. Sorry but after this experience I've been looking into a Silverado with the 5.3 as my experience with the LS motors is they're pretty bulletproof and this 5.4 has been nothing but trouble. I like the Ecoboost but I already have a turbo car and have doubts about its longterm reliability.

 

Look at a new Ford with a 5.0. It's worlds better than the 5.4 3 valve.

 

I'm not completely ruling it out but I don't like the fact its only been out 4yrs so theres not really any longterm reliability data out there and i know a 5.3 will easily go 200k. This experience has just really turned me away from Ford.

 

I feel your pain I just put a rebuilt in and already having problems. went with a 3000 of ebay with 3 year warranty and they could care less engine. Not being good to work with. I have bought a new Ram and just trying to keep the ford for hunting. Don't look goos.